Oba of Benin: Atiku, Oshiomhole, Tambuwal mourn

The Palace of the Oba of Benin in Edo State on Friday announced that the monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, had passed on.
The Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, who made the announcement in Benin City, said that the Oba passed on at Ugha-Ozolua, situated inside the palace.
Before making the disclosure, Igbe, dressed in a red and white attire, performed series of consultations along with other palace chiefs, including the Esogban of Benin, Cheif David Edebiri.
He said “the native chalk has broken. All Benin sons should shave their hair and all major markets are expected to be shut down indefinitely’’.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) say the late Oba Erediauwa was a role model, exceptional leader and leading light in the comity of traditional rulers in the country.
Atiku’s message is contained in a statement by his Head of Media, Mr Paul Ibe, in Abuja on Friday.
The statement said Erediauwa radiated royalty, majesty, wisdom, intelligence and nationalism even as he spared no effort in protecting the traditions and values of his people.
It stated that the passing of the monarch came at a critical time when the country was facing numerous challenges of nation-building and would miss his wise counsel.
The statement called on “the proud people of Benin kingdom, the people and Government of Edo State and all Nigerians to take heart at the passing on of this illustrious royal personage.
“The remarkable life he lived, the place of the Oba in Benin and Nigeria history are assured.’’
The statement extended condolences to the Benin royal family and called on all its members to take heart and honour the memory of the late Oba by working for peace, which was a cardinal pursuit of the monarch during his lifetime.
Tambuwal described the late Erediauwa as a committed nationalist and traditional ruler par excellence whose reign brought tremendous progress to Benin Kingdom in particular and Edo State in general.
This is contained in a condolence message issued in Sokoto on Friday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam.
In it, Tambuwal said the deceased monarch lived a life of service to his people and the nation at large.
“Oba Erediauwa has written his name in gold, through his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s socio-economy, as well as his globally acknowledged views on governance, public policy, history and leadership.
“He was an accomplished Nigerian and a seasoned bureaucrat whose ideals will be cherished for a long time by succeeding generations of Nigerians.
“The governor extends the condolences of the people and government of Sokoto State to the royal family, the people and government of Edo over the loss.